“Yamaha Announces 2010 ATV Models - PR Newswire” plus 1 more

Yamaha Announces 2010 ATV Models - PR Newswire

Posted: 08 Sep 2009 12:03 PM PDT

CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., today announced the full 2010 model year ATV product line including a new sport ATV designed specifically with the trail rider in mind, the YFZ450X. In total Yamaha will produce 17 ATV models for 2010 including class-leading, best-selling models from its Grizzly utility line and Raptor and YFZ sport lines.

2010 YAMAHA SPORT ATV LINEUP

The YFZ450X is new to Yamaha's line of top performing sport ATVs and replaces the original YFZ450 as the best new ATV for tight, technical woods and trail riding. This new trail machine is 46.1 inches wide (versus the MX track width YFZ450R introduced last fall) with optimized suspension, fuel injection, and Yamaha's exclusive cast aluminum-steel hybrid frame. The light and nimble 450X is designed to carve through tight trails, over tree roots, rocks and almost anything else riders might encounter on a tough GNCC course or weekend trail ride. Both the new YFZ450X and YFZ450R feature the powerful 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single cylinder 449cc engine and highest sport ATV performance technologies available.

The Raptor legacy continues in 2010 with four models providing a range of size and performance: the Raptor 700R (best selling big bore sport ATV*), the Raptor 350, the Raptor 250 (all-around best selling sport ATV*), and Raptor 90 (best selling youth ATV*).

Bridging the gap between pure sport ATV action and utility ATV capability is the Wolverine 450 4x4. The Wolverine is one of the most popular sport utility ATVs offering riders a nimble off-road machine with a sporty feel and push-button 4x4 capabilities.

2010 YAMAHA UTILITY ATV LINEUP

Yamaha's Grizzly 700 FI EPS, which introduced the first ever Electric Power Steering (EPS) on an ATV, continues to be the best selling big bore utility ATV**. This leading utility machine has won numerous awards and shoot-out comparisons with leading features like Yamaha Fuel Injection, Ultramatic(R) automatic transmission and On Command(R) 2WD/4WD/4WD with differential lock - all set atop a comfortable ride with fully independent suspension.

The Grizzly 700 FI was the platform for the Grizzly 550 FI EPS introduced last year, which quickly became the best-selling 550-class utility ATV***. Other popular models in the Grizzly line include the Grizzly 700 FI (non-EPS), Grizzly 550 FI (non-EPS), Grizzly 450 4x4 IRS, Grizzly 350 4x4 IRS, Grizzly 350 4x4, Grizzly 350 2WD and Grizzly 125.

Yamaha's Big Bear 400 4x4 IRS sets itself apart with ITP Mud Lite tires and a semi-automatic five-speed transmission allowing the rider to choose the right gear for the conditions.

More information on all of Yamaha's 2010 model year ATVs can be found at www.yamaha-motor.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company's ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Editor's Notes:

*Based on R. L. Polk & Co. total new ATV registrations in the U.S. that compete in the Yamaha defined Sport and Youth ATV segments for CYTD 2009.
**Based on R. L. Polk & Co. total new ATV registrations in the U.S. that compete in the Yamaha defined Big Bore Utility ATV segment for CYTD 2009.
***Based on R. L. Polk & Co. total new ATV registrations in the U.S. that compete in the Yamaha defined 550cc Utility ATV segment for CYTD 2009.
2010 model pricing and in-dealership dates to be announced at a later date.
ATVs with engines of 70cc to 90cc are recommended for use only by riders age 12 years and older, and always with adult supervision.
ATVs with engines 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Van Holmes Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. (714) 761-7370 van_holmes@yamaha-motor.com

SOURCE Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Website: http://www.yamaha-motor.com

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Crashes and crushes create fun at annual Demolition Derby Sunday - Payson Roundup

Posted: 08 Sep 2009 02:47 PM PDT

Max Foster/Roundup

Which of these three demolition drivers took the honors of smashing the watermelon (airborne in center of photo) in the warm-up run at a past Demolition Derby? Another watermelon will meet a violent and muddy end in the opening moments of the 2009 Demolition Derby Sunday.

Max Foster/Roundup

Scarred and souped up for action.

Credit Nelson Beck and Scott Honeycutt for bringing to the Payson Event Center one of the wackiest entertainment events ever seen in the Rim Country.

In 2006, the two introduced demolition derbies to locals and the annual events have since drawn crowds of more than 2,500 and some of the state's finest adrenaline-crazed drivers.

The derbies are annually held in conjunction with the Northern Gila County Fair as will the third annual event when it heats up PEC at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13.

Gates open at 11:30 p.m.

Those who have taken in the first two derbies know they provide metal-crunching, bone-jarring, crashing, smashing action at its best.

"They are crazy," Beck said.

The demo derby competitions begin with a warm-up event in which drivers battle one another to see which one can be the first one to drive over, and squash, a watermelon strategically placed in the middle of the arena.

Of course, the sponsors — which this year include Honeycutt Rodeo, Chapman Auto Center, Payson Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Rim Country Power Sports and Coca Cola — usually dole out prize money to the lucky watermelon destroyer.

Prior to the melon-squashing events, the contestants make a grand entry to introduce their vehicles to the audience.

In addition to the traditional derby that usually features 1970 and '80s four-door sedans, the third annual trucks-only derby will be held that is expected to be even more competitive than ever.

"The first year (2007) we had two trucks and last year we had five," Beck said. "We are expecting seven or eight (trucks) this year," said Beck. "Trucks are kind of our signature event, it's something we do that others don't"

Sponsors anticipate adding $500 to the truck prize money pool.

In 2007, a truck prepared by Dan and Rob Shover at Coyote Auto did so well it was invited to participate in the automobile division.

Beck said he expects the Shovers to again enter the derby.

Valley drivers Mickey Reetz and Steven Quills have dominated past auto derbies.

In 2006, Quills was first and Reetz second. In 2007, Reetz was first and Quills second.

Beck is unsure whether the two Phoenix drivers will return this year.

Among the Payson drivers, Brett Carnes has traditionally shown well reaching the finals in 2007.

Beck is promising the upcoming derby will be more action-packed than ever, partly because the promoters have more experience hosting them, the interest in Payson drivers is growing and fans of the sport are hooked.

"From what I'm hearing, there were will be more local cars, the Valley drivers are coming back and the stands will be full," he said. "It should be a great time."

Last year's halftime entertainment of a Pro-Tour a surprise comedy act and quad races sponsored by Rim Country Power Sports have replaced motocross exhibition.

Beck promises the comedy act, "Will be a lot of fun" and the quad races will be exciting for everyone, especially those who own and ride ATVs.

In addition to the races, Power Sports will set up outside the arena exhibitions of the Artic Cat ATVs the firm sells and services.

The really good news for fans' pocket books is the adult admission to the derby has been reduced to $10 from $12 from what was charged in past years.

"Tough economic times right now," Beck said.

The admission for children 4 to 11 years is $5, same as in the past. Children under 4 are free.

The history, rules

For those unfamiliar with demolition derbies, Beck says the rules vary from event to event, but the typical derby consists of 10 or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another.

The last driver whose vehicle still runs is declared the victor.

Opinions differ on the origin of the sport but a popular version is that the first derby was held in Long Island, N.Y. in the late 1950s.

The sport grew in popularity throughout the 1960s, especially at county fairs and festivals throughout rural America.

In the 1970s, ABC's "Wide World of Sports" broadcast several demolition derbies and in the sitcom "Happy Days," the character Pinky Tuscadero, a love interest of the one of the main characters, Fonzie, was a demolition derby driver.

Probably the most renowned derby occurred in 1972 in the Los Angeles Coliseum. The nationally televised event drew Indianapolis 500 champions Parnelli Jones, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Bobby and Al Unser. During the derby, the drivers destroyed high-dollar new cars including a Rolls-Royce donated by Evel Knievel.

The most popular cars among demolition derby drivers, who usually are amateurs, are older full-sized American sedans, which can be purchased from junkyards and repaired.

For the derby, all glass must be removed from the cars to make them safer. Also, deliberately ramming the driver's side door is a no-no. Drivers usually use the rear of the car to ram an opponent and protect their engines from damage.

Rules for the upcoming trucks competition will be different from the guidelines for cars.

"In trucks, the fuel cells have to be relocated at the center of the bed, be bolted down and have splash shields," Beck said.

Beck is unsure of what year or make trucks will be popular with Payson's adrenaline-crazed drivers but expects Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges to be featured.

"They can be up to 1 ton, but cannot be duallies (dual rear wheels)," he said. "Two- or four-wheel drives are OK, but only one driveline, front or rear, can be used."

Also, maximum and minimum bumper height limits will be enforced.

As unique as the Payson truck derby is, there are other more bizarre versions held around the country and in England. Some of those include rollover competitions, figure-8 racing and using harvesters, lawn mowers and school buses.

The community of Lind, Wash. annually hosts a combine harvester demolition derby.

Copies of the rules regulations and entry forms for the Payson derby are available at the parks and recreation offices located at Green Valley Park.